“I’m responsible for the trees, (Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff) is responsible for the forest,” said Paul Maurice.

With nine days left before the NHL trade deadline comes and goes, there is a sense of anticipation surrounding the Winnipeg Jets about the possibility of adding a piece or two for the stretch run.

When the subject of relative playoff experience was broached with Paul Maurice before Friday’s game against the Colorado Avalanche, the Jets head coach wasn’t about to make any public proclamations about what the organization might be looking for – or what type of player might be on his wish list heading into the stretch run.

“I’m responsible for the trees, (Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff) is responsible for the forest,” said Maurice.

The Jets find themselves in a bit of a different position than in most of the past seasons, with the exception of 2015, when they made several moves that helped them qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

When pushing for the post-season, there aren’t as many players involved in the rumour mill, so naturally most players aren’t worried about being on the move in a blockbuster deal.

“You want to be aware of it if there’s tension in the room – certainly if you’re in that sell mode, names get out there. Now, we’re in a little different position here (as a buyer), so you don’t have any Jets names really being bandied about,” said Maurice. “That’s tough to handle in your room (if there are names out there), for sure. We don’t talk about it with the players. Just keep your head down and focus.

“The young guys never think they’re getting traded anyway, because they’re here for 20 (seasons) and they’re the next star of the team. The older guys are a little more aware of what could happen. But also, it’s not their first time through it, so there’s nothing to do but play.”

The Jets have ample depth throughout the lineup, but adding a forward and possibly a blue-liner as insurance are the most logical places the organization will be looking to bolster.

As is often the case, the final decision will come down to what it costs to make the move.

The asking prices being thrown around remain high right now, both for rentals and for players with term, that’s why there haven’t been many pre-emptive strikes so far.

Do Maroon or Letestu make sense?

When it comes to the available forwards on teams in a selling position, the Edmonton Oilers could have a couple of forwards that could interest the Jets – and both of them are pending unrestricted free agents.

Although left-winger Patrick Maroon isn’t producing at the same rate as last season, he still has 14 goals and 29 points in 54 games while averaging just over 17 minutes of ice time per game.

Maroon, 29, is a physical force and he has enjoyed some success during the post-season, recording 12 goals and 26 points in 42 playoff games with the Oilers and Anaheim Ducks.

Maroon, who had a career-best 27 goals and 42 points last season – can play up and down the lineup and has seen time alongside the likes of Connor McDavid and Ryan Getzlaf in the past – and he’ll be motivated to have a strong playoff, since it would only help boost his stock.

The Oilers have been trying to see what it’s going to take to sign Maroon, but haven’t found a number both sides are comfortable with yet, so he’ll be on the radar of many contenders if general manager Peter Chiarelli decides to move him.

Maroon is in the final season of a deal that carries an average annual value of $1.5 million, so most contenders can fit him under their salary cap easily.

Oilers centre Mark Letestu, who has eight goals and 18 points in 55 games this season while averaging 13 minutes of ice time, could also make sense for the Jets.

The 33-year-old centre is a fourth-liner who kills penalties, can also be used on the second power-play unit if needed and is a right-handed shooter who is strong in the faceoff circle (53.5%).

Letestu has 30 games of playoff experience with the Oilers, Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins and also has a history of playing well against the Jets, picking up nine goals and 11 points in 18 career games.

Letestu is in the final season of a contract that carries an average annual value of $1.8 million.

Perreault earns another nickname

Jets left-winger Mathieu Perreault has long been known as a guy others like to play on a line with.

On Friday morning, Maurice spoke glowingly about why he moves Perreault throughout the lines a little more than you might expect for a key contributor.

“He’s the fireman – we put him wherever we need help,” said Maurice. “He brings a consistent level, but a high level. A really high level of identity hockey for our team. As Blake Wheeler is for the rest of the group in terms of intensity, Perreault is (that player), in terms of being on the puck. Any line that he plays with then gets that benefit. They all get more (offensive) zone time if (Perreault) is on it.

“If you play with (Perreault), the other two guys end up feeling good about their game. He’s kind of a confidence builder for whoever he plays with because he’s playing at the right end (of the ice).”

Perreault went into Friday’s contest with 15 goals and 34 points in 45 games this season.

This Week's Flyers

Comments

We encourage all readers to share their views on our articles and blog posts. We are committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion, so we ask you to avoid personal attacks, and please keep your comments relevant and respectful. If you encounter a comment that is abusive, click the "X" in the upper right corner of the comment box to report spam or abuse. We are using Facebook commenting. Visit our FAQ page for more information.